One of our life truths: there’s no denying the fact that sometimes it’s a struggle.
Things don’t always go as planned and unfortunate things do happen. However, some people have come to the conclusion that life is supposed to be easy. Maybe it is the people around them that make it seem so effortless. Maybe their life seems like a breeze or they simply ignore their struggles.
In my younger years, I held this unrealistic notion that life would be so easy and everything would work out magically.
I imagined that I would:
- get the job I always wanted
- earn a decent income
- find true love
- live happily ever after
It was almost as if life was meant to be a fairytale.
However, as I grew older, this illusion got shattered bit by bit, and I slowly began to realize that life wasn’t as simple as I had imagined.
What Happens When You Realize Life is More Complicated?
I experienced setbacks, disappointments, and failures that made me question my initial assumptions.
Despite putting in the effort, things didn’t always go as planned, and I had to learn to adapt to new circumstances. I also saw people around me struggling, and it made me realize that life was much more complicated than what I had believed.
It was a humbling experience to acknowledge that I had been living in a bubble of naivety, but it was also liberating in a way. It made me appreciate the little things in life and the hard work that goes into achieving success.
While life can be challenging at times, I have come to understand that it’s not meant to be easy, and that’s okay. The journey may not always be smooth, but the obstacles we face along the way make us stronger and more resilient.
The truth is, many people aren’t sure what to do when obstacles or struggles come. Their life may feel as if it’s falling apart, and they’re stumped as to how to put it back together. I can relate, and this is why I wanted to share some things I’ve learned along my journey.
If you’re needing encouragement, I hope it helps.
5 Encouraging Life Truths to Help Your Journey
1. Things Don’t Always Go as Planned.
Life doesn’t always go as planned, and that’s a fact we have to accept.
However, what we do have control over is our reaction to these circumstances. We may encounter plenty of challenging situations, such as:
- friends betraying us
- bosses disliking us
- failed relationships, etc.
It’s our choice how we respond to these situations.
- Will we allow them to consume us and lead us down a negative path?
- Or will we learn from them and face them with a positive outlook?
It’s helpful to acknowledge that unexpected events will occur in life, and we can be ready to confront them with optimism. Rather than letting these obstacles ruin our lives, we can mentally prepare to deal with them and stay focused on moving forward.
2. You Cannot Please Everyone.
Read that one again.
It’s likely that some people will pass judgment on you as that’s just a part of who they are. In some cases, they may even harbor hatred towards you. It’s helpful to learn that trying to please everyone is a fruitless endeavor.
One of the life truths to face is recognizing that everyone has their own expectations, preferences, and opinions. What one person considers pleasing may not necessarily resonate with another. Therefore, try to approach things with a clear mind and realistic expectations.
Sometimes, despite our best efforts, things may not go as planned, and that’s okay.
Focusing solely on trying to please everyone can be a draining and futile endeavor. Instead, your focus should be on being true to yourself and doing what feels right. Ultimately, it’s more important to live in a way that aligns with your values and brings you happiness, rather than seeking approval from everyone else.
3. Responsibility Matters.
Taking responsibility for your life is important, yet many people find it challenging.
The easiest path for most individuals is to place blame on others when things go wrong.
But, if you want to progress in your life, it’s helpful to face up to your actions and take ownership of them. Rather than blaming others, hold yourself accountable and be responsible for your life. While it may be tempting to point fingers, that won’t facilitate long-term growth.
4. Some Risks Pay Off.
Whatever your expectations are from a situation, the best outcomes usually involve taking a risk.
Success means different things to different people. But not taking risks will lead to a one hundred percent chance of not achieving what you truly want to achieve.
You want to win the game? Then you have to get in there and play.
5. Joy Comes From Within.
You cannot find true, long-lasting happiness from external factors like material possessions, achievements, relationships, or public approval.
Even positive experiences can cause sadness because we fear losing them. Therefore, genuine happiness can only come from within. Once we stop chasing after these external things and focus on inner peace and joy, life becomes better.
Life Truths to Help You on Your Journey
There will be challenging situations in life.
The question is, will you let them keep knocking you down or take responsibility for your thoughts and actions?
If you need help, there are many free resources available to help you get your life in order. You can also invest in a life coach or counselor if needed. Remember, no one else will do it for you, so start taking action towards creating an amazing life today!
Helpful Resources:
Here are three links to free resources that can help you overcome life’s obstacles:
Psychology Today: This website offers free articles and tools to help you manage stress, anxiety, and other challenges in life. They also have a directory of mental health professionals that you can search for free.
7 Cups: This website provides free online counseling and emotional support from trained volunteers. You can chat with someone anonymously and get support for a variety of issues, including depression, anxiety, and relationship problems.
Editor’s note: This article was originally published May 12, 2023 and has been updated to improve reader experience.
Photo by THIS IS ZUN
